Haiti Digest

January 22, 2010|By Tribune news services

TAX ADVANTAGE: Taxpayers will be able to write off charitable donations to Haiti earthquake relief efforts when they file their 2009 taxes this spring under a bill that received final congressional approval Thursday. The Senate passed the bill on a voice vote Thursday, sending it to President Barack Obama for his expected signature.

REFUGE SOUGHT: Haitians living in the United States could begin applying Thursday for the chance to legally remain in the country and get work permits. Haitian immigrants hope the program will help them send a badly needed infusion of U.S. dollars to struggling family in Haiti.

FILLED UP: The U.S. military was flying Haitian earthquake victims to the USNS Comfort hospital ship Thursday in what officials described as the largest medical evacuation in the storied ship's history. As many as 100 patients a day will be transported for surgery. "The Comfort is going to full capacity," said Capt. Richard Sharpe, the ship's head surgeon. "We've never done it before."

HOW TO HELP: Some organizations accepting donations for Haiti aid are at chicagotribune.com/haitirelief.